Letter - The museum provided a glimpse into a treasured way of life

To the editor:

On behalf of several members of a Fergus Falls women’s study group who recently visited the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum in Alexandria, I want to express our appreciation for the wonderful facility you have in your midst. It is obvious that it took not only a long-range vision, but also a lot of work and dedication from many individuals to make this amazing project a reality.

We were all so impressed, from the warm greeting and background information from the museum director, to the well-planned and varied exhibits. We enjoyed the rather humorous swimsuit exhibit, the grand hotels and resorts exhibit, the exhibit showing the development of the Larson and Chris-Craft boats, and the unknown (at least to us) history of Gar Wood, and his amazing story.

The museum provided a glimpse into a treasured way of life on area lakes, but also a timeline showing developments in technology and design, and historical events. Everyone in your community and surrounding area who provided items for the displays, and constructed those displays into such an interesting and informative presentation, are to be praised.

In addition to touring the museum, we loved the unexpected and impressive gardens behind the museum. What a beautiful oasis! The planning and landscaping of these gardens amazed us, and those involved in this community asset are to be recognized. What a beautiful venue for weddings, receptions concerts; and just for personal enjoyment.

Those of you in Alexandria and the surrounding area who have not visited the Maritime Museum and Gardens are missing an opportunity to see what a gem you have in your community, made a reality by vision and dedication to preserving and sharing the history of boating and a way of life on area lakes, and to providing a gorgeous garden area for the community.

Jeanne Jensen

Fergus Falls, MN

Tags: opinion, letters